13. Solace

During the time I was estranged from my friend, Roan had formed his poly bond with Tate and Asher. This was only the start of the revelations that rocked the Sweetwater pack.

First, their bond evolved. Changed.

Hiroshi first admitted to James that his marks were changing when he failed to fall pregnant immediately. Understandably, the omega was upset at his perceived failure to conceive. With all the magic in his system, a pregnancy in his first heat with Roan would have been a miracle, and likely would have failed to gestate properly. It was a kindness that his body had more time.

A month after their unconventional bonding, Tate came to the clinic for testing, demonstrating unusual symptoms. He also admitted difficulties within their bonds, with feeling distant towards one of his mates and a lack of intimacy between that mate and another of their grouping.

Teagan and ívarr performed all the necessary tests, even taking samples from Tate’s cousin, Jake, in order to compare them since they were close cousins. Their mothers were identical twins, making their DNA as close as half siblings. Though they didn’t come up with anything to be the cause of the illness Tate was suffering with, the data collected would be useful later, when we knew the cause.

The day after his visit to the clinic, we knew why Tate had been sick. It was from his transformation into an omega from a beta and the sign of his first heat.

Not only that, Asher, who had also been a beta, was now presenting as an alpha.

Then, just to add more to an already strange case, the new omega had two mates, an omega, and his new alpha. Hiroshi and Tate reaffirmed their bond as Hiroshi also went into heat again.

Unfortunately, the new alpha struggled with his instincts and became overprotective of Tate to his detriment and even Tate’s safety. The pair had to be separated, which was heartbreaking for the new omega as much as it was for the new alpha. Hakeem told me of Asher’s shame at his inability to control his lion.

He talked about it at length, the subjects of shifters and their behaviors endlessly fascinating to my friend. Hakeem believed the sudden influx of alpha pheromones and the rut he endured whilst Tate was in heat was the root cause of the behavior. The new lion alpha had much to adjust to.

We lost Hakeem back to Abrocaelum as my friend took control of Asher’s behavior modification. The young alpha needed to learn the control that most alphas slowly learned throughout their lifetimes. In the blink of an eye, Asher had undergone this massive change. He had much to learn and a very short-tempered lion to contend with.

Tate underwent another barrage of tests, Hiroshi and Roan joining him. Hakeem took the samples we needed from Asher when he was in Abrocaelum. The young alpha was too unpredictable in Sweetwater to spend any length of time at the clinic or with his mate.

Nothing about the tests gave us a reason for what had happened. Tate bore them well, but he became withdrawn as he adjusted to his new instincts as an omega and the loss of his alpha mate. They attempted many visits, but Asher’s lion was too volatile for prolonged contact. He was jealous and liable to lash out.

Just a couple of weeks after his heat, Hiroshi presented himself to the clinic with a positive pregnancy test. James confirmed the pregnancy by finding two heartbeats.

Only hours later, the clinic was confirming a second pregnancy. This time, Tate’s.

The former beta had done what we had thought was impossible. Not only had he changed his designation, he had then mated to more than one person, and finally, fallen pregnant.

Though many were ecstatic about the pregnancy, naturally, Tate had reservations. He had gone through so much change. There was a huge scene which half the pack witnessed where it looked like Asher might attack his mate, or more likely, Roan. The Alpha had to step in, with Blake reminding all the pack that an omega had the ultimate choice whether they would carry a baby to term or not.

My respect for the young Alpha rose by leagues. He was an example of what a leader should be.

It made me wonder what would happen if an elf became pregnant after so long. Would they be urged into keeping it no matter their circumstances?

News of the babies had, of course, reached my mother and the parliament. They were delighted about the new lives and what these changes could mean for the elves. It bought me more time to spend in Sweetwater and encouraged more elves to come and assist with the research and necessary protection.

Unfortunately, Sweetwater had an even bigger target on their backs with an alpha female, betas who had changed designations, and now Tate’s pregnancy.

Each time something new happened, or there was some fuss from the elves over the pending arrivals, Axel seemed to draw into himself.

There were days I thought that even our love would not be enough to take him out of the darkness.

Naturally, my friends had noticed. ívarr mentioned he had made renewed attempts at forming a friendship, and while Axel was understanding of ívarr’s initial standoffish behavior, he had sensed pushing for anything more would not be welcomed.

I wondered at the cause of Axel’s recent depression. Unlike his family, I did not fear it was another bout of the sickness approaching. My senses told me a lot of it was bitter envy.

Axel was so devoted to his family. He would have made a fine alpha with a deep core of inner strength, endless patience, and so much love. Axel had to be looking at Asher and seeing a shifter making so many mistakes he would not make himself. I couldn’t see him attacking others with little provocation. He and his wolf were steady, dependable. For his omega, he would be a port in a storm, providing protection and love.

He had to be wondering why Asher and Tate were chosen for something so monumental. His faith in his goddess, The Luna, had to be shaken.

As Tate, Hiroshi and Roan got ready to move into their new home, I decided to draw Axel back to me. He needed some extra care to show him he was more than his designation. I did not care if he was only a beta, or only a shifter. He could have been a troll and I would have loved him for who he was.

“We are going on another date tonight,” I announced as Axel entered our rooms.

“Are we?” He raised an eyebrow.

“An overnight date, so make sure to pack some clothes for tomorrow. Though if you want to be naked, I will not complain.” I rose to greet him with a kiss, wrapping an arm around him and drawing him close.

I could feel his smirk against my lips. “You wouldn’t, would you?”

“No.” I snaked my hands under his shirt, eager to get my hands on that silky smooth skin. With great difficulty, I pulled away. “Come, I have plans for you.”

“T, we can’t leave the compound.” Axel looked hopeless.

“I know, which is why I have a tent set up for us under the stars just in the woods. We will cook food on a fire and spend time in nature. Would you like to walk there shifted?”

Axel softened. “We shouldn’t… what if we’re needed?”

Drawing him close again, I hugged him tightly. “We will be close enough to run back. Tonight is your night off. Everyone is covered.”

He relented further. “But…”

“No. This is just for us. For you. Please, Axel, you need this. Let me be your solace.”

The fire was ready to be lit. I did that with a spark of magic before I lay our things down next to the pit.

Axel, in his wolf form, sat on his haunches and sighed. This is exactly what I needed, thank you.

“You are most welcome.”

Seeing no need to hide the spell I was using since we were alone, I spoke aloud to Axel rather than mind speak. “Would you like dinner? There are steaks but if you would rather not cook, we can have sandwiches. Winter packed a hamper for us.” I laughed, remembering my conversation with the cook. “He gave us far too much food!”

His wolf made a strange chuffing noise that sounded like a laugh. Sandwiches are fine. I’m not hungry. I’d rather enjoy the peace with you.

“Do you feel like shifting back, or would you rather have me pet you for a while? I brought the brush you like.”

He would never admit it to anyone, but Axel liked me to use a slicker brush on his fur. He would lie for hours while I groomed his alter form.

Only the pricking of his ears gave him away. I got the brush from the hidden pocket in my bag and set to work, combing it through his thick ruff and down his back to his wagging tail.

My lover’s other form was beautiful with his gigantic size, too wise eyes, and shiny black coat. He was so dark he often vanished into the shadows. I wondered often if it was his extra gift. Chase had his ability to detect lies, Blake had an edge, predicting moves when fighting, so perhaps the other Sweetwater son had his own ability.

After he had enough of the brushing, he shifted and kissed me soundly until I was desperate to have him. “Please,” I begged as he reached for my cock.

Making quick work of my clothes, Axel prepped me to take him. I was grateful I remembered the oil with the relaxant, as it had been some time since I had been on the receiving end of my encounters. All the times with Axel before had been with me fucking him.

His cock stretched me well and I panted under him as we made love with the stars shining above us.

The moon shone on our union, it almost felt like a blessing. We were meant to be, Axel and I. Two souls intertwined regardless of our species. We belonged together.

We lay on what remained of my clothes after, breathless but sated, arms around each other.

“Thank you, Teárlach. I needed this.” His voice was clogged with heavy emotion.

“Of course, dear one. You are my heart and I know when you ache. We will get through this, I promise.” I brought his hand to my mouth so I could kiss his knuckles, sealing my vow.

“I believe you.”